Substitute Teacher Accused Of Pulling Knife On Student

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NORMANDY, MO. (KTVI) – A Normandy Middle school substitute teacher is accused of pulling a knife on a student and threatening him.

Stanley Covington was arrested Wednesday. He is charged with unlawful use of a weapon.

"He and the student began to argue and Covington pulled out a knife," St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch said.

McCulloch told FOX 2 the argument began when the student arrived to class late.

Covington is accused of having a knife that was "large" and had a "brass knuckle" shaped handle.

The incident shocked parents of Normandy students like Pierre Brown.

"What kind of message does that send our youngsters," he said.

The district released a statement reading "The welfare of all students is the district's first priority."

The Normandy School District released the following statement regarding the incident:

District's Statement on Substitute Teacher Incident at Middle School

“On November 7, 2012, the Normandy School District received a report that a substitute teacher was in possession of a knife while on district property. No one was injured as a result of this alleged incident. We hold the safety of our students in highest regard, and have reported the incident to appropriate authorities. The matter in question is being handled by the St. Louis County Police Department and the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services. The school district is cooperating fully in this investigation. The District must treat all matters involving personnel as confidential. Therefore, the District has no further comment at this time. Please be assured that protecting the welfare of all students and providing a safe and secure learning environment is our school district's first priority.”